Tile Maintenance Hacks for Busy Homeowners

Many people pick tiles because they are a low-maintenance choice — from floors and walls to backsplashes, they’re a great way to combine style and practicality. But with sleep, work, and life commitments, fitting in maintenance can feel impossible. 

This guide offers time-saving hacks to help you maintain your tiles. Learn how to care for different tile types and make cleaning efficient and easy. These tips transform cleaning from a chore into a quick routine, keeping your tiles clean and beautiful.

5 tile cleaning tips for busy schedules

Maintaining your tiles might feel overwhelming if you don't have a go-to approach. Here are some time-management tips to help you fit tile maintenance into your busy schedule:

1. Practice regular upkeep

It may seem counterintuitive, but cleaning will prevent you from more cleaning. Wiping up spills immediately, sweeping floors regularly and squeegeeing shower walls after use take minimal time and reduce the need for deep cleaning later.

2. Schedule in cleaning

Dedicate a specific time over the weekend for a more thorough cleaning of all your tiled surfaces. How often is up to you! We recommend once a week, but if you’re cleaning after yourself regularly, you can stretch this out.

3. Stock up on cleaning supplies 

Having cleaning supplies readily available makes a big difference. Stock up on microfiber cloths, a good quality grout brush and gentle cleaner. Having essentials on hand eliminates the need for unnecessary trips to the shops and allows you to jump right into cleaning when needed.

4. Master multitasking

Combine cleaning tasks with other activities. Listen to music, an audiobook or podcasts while cleaning floors, or give your shower tiles a wipe while your conditioner sits in your hair. This multitasking approach makes cleaning feel less like a chore and integrates it into your daily routine.

5. Streamline your cleaning

Knowing how to clean your tiles is a huge time saver in itself. Clean regularly — and do it well — and you can stretch out time between deep cleans. Keep reading for our best tips for cleaning and maintaining tiles on a time crunch.

Tile cleaning and maintenance by location

Regardless of location, all tiles benefit from a little TLC — but there’s a difference between wiping a kitchen backsplash and scrubbing external tiles. Here we’ll explore time-saving hacks for cleaning and maintaining tiles, room-by-room.

Maintaining tile floors (indoor & outdoor)

Here’s how to keep your floor tiles looking fresh:

• Focus on prevention: Doormats, both inside and outside, are essential for keeping your floors clean. They trap mud, dust and other grime before they reach your tiles, saving you significant cleaning time. Just make sure to shake them out regularly!
• Sweep and vacuum: Develop a habit of sweeping or vacuuming your tile floors regularly. This quick step removes dirt, debris and pet hair, preventing scratches and keeping your tiles looking their best.
• Rinse away: For a deeper clean, swap the broom for a microfiber mop. Mopping with a gentle cleaning solution removes tougher dirt and grime from indoor tiles, leaving them streak-free and clean. Outdoor tiles can be tackled with a gentle brush and hose.

Maintaining bathroom tiles (walls & backsplashes)

Being naturally prone to moisture and looking lovely make tiles a great choice for your bathroom. Here are some easy steps to keep them looking clean and beautiful:

• Prevent build-up: Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing mould and mildew growth around your bathroom tiles. Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan after showering to reduce moisture buildup.
• Post-shower squeegee: After showering, take a minute to squeegee the shower walls. This simple step minimises water spots and soap scum buildup, saving you a deep scrub later. Keep it in the shower to make your life easier!
• Wipe down: Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and gentle cleaner. Microfiber cloths are gentle on all surfaces and effectively pick up dirt and grime.
• Spot clean: For tougher grime or mildew buildup, create a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area, leave it for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. 

Maintaining kitchen tiles (backsplash)

Kitchen backsplashes are prone to grease and food splatters. Keep your backsplash looking brand new with this easy maintenance guide:

• Spot clean spills: Act fast — the sooner you mop up spills, the easier they are to clean. Wipe up spills immediately with a damp microfiber cloth. For greasy messes, add a drop of dish soap to the cleaning solution.
• Deep clean weekly: Once a week, dedicate a few minutes to a deeper cleaning. For everyday messes, a solution of warm water and detergent should do it. Tougher grease or baked-on food may need the help of a tile cleaner specifically designed for kitchens.
• Clean the grout: Grout — the material that fills the gaps between tiles — can attract pesky dirt and grime. To maintain clean grout lines, use the tile and grout cleaner mixed with water. Apply the mix to the grout lines using a soft brush, leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly. 

How to maintain different tile types

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular choices for their durability and style. But did you know the finish you choose can impact the cleaning schedule? Here's how to tackle each finish for sparkling clean tiles.

Matte tiles

Matte porcelain and ceramic tiles have a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean.

• Daily cleaning: A damp microfiber cloth or dust pan and broom are your best friends! Simply wipe or sweep away dust, dirt and light spills for quick maintenance.
• Weekly cleaning: Sweep or vacuum the floor with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt and debris. Mop with a mild cleaning solution to remove grime and keep your matte tiles looking their best. Clean wall tiles with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Sydney Matte White Stone Look Tile & Heated Towel Rail Antique Brass

 

Gloss tiles

Gloss porcelain and ceramic tiles have a slick, non-porous surface that makes them highly resistant to stains.

• Daily cleaning: Like matte tiles, a damp microfiber cloth or dust pan and broom is your go-to for daily cleaning. 
• Weekly cleaning: Wall tiles can be deep cleaned with a soft cloth and streak-free cleaning solution. For floors, sweep or vacuum as usual. Use a damp microfiber mop with warm water and a floor cleaner to maintain the shine without leaving residue. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on gloss tiles as they can dull the finish over time.

Noosa Gloss Zellige Taupe Tile

 

External tiles

External porcelain tiles have a rougher surface ideal for outdoor areas due to their higher slip resistance. Due to this texture and their exposure to the elements, they require slightly different cleaning approach:

• Daily cleaning: Sweep or use a leaf blower to remove loose dirt, leaves and debris.
• Weekly cleaning: Sweep away debris, then tackle grime using a gentle cleaning solution. For stubborn dirt trapped in the texture, use a soft-bristled tile brush and a vinegar-water solution. Hose down your outdoor area to remove cleaning residue and keep your tiles non-slip.

Maintaining the beauty of your tiles

By following these time-saving hacks and adopting a strategic approach, you can transform tile maintenance from a burden into a manageable routine. Remember, consistency is key! Regular cleaning with the right methods ensures the longevity of your tiled surfaces.

TileCloud’s cleaning products are the perfect finishing touch. We sell a range of professional-grade cleaning products for a range of maintenance needs. Keep your tiles looking fresh and new, no matter what life throws your way.